Author Topic: RTW Solo Charity Ride (Read 348 times)

Gixer · « **on:** March 10, 2005, 05:19:27 PM »

For years I've always thought about selling up (not that there would be much to sell), quitting work and setting off on a round the world tour solo by motorbike. Of course discussing this with my family they all think it's crazy, too dangerous,expensive,you'd loose your job/experience,sanity,come home with nothing etc etc. And what about marriage,kids and a house. I just see it as "why not" and there must be more to life then the "routine".

Anyway, what do you goes think? Anyone here ever done a world trip?

If I did it, I'd like to do it for a charity possibly not one of the usual big ones but a small charity that might be more appreciative of the proceeds. Anyone here have experience working with charities and/or obtaining sponsorship? As the only way I can see about getting sponsorship is taking time to email,write,phone visit etc. But any tips would be hugely appreciated.

~~...-Gixer~~

Sandman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2005, 05:21:47 PM »

Nope... but I'd really like to hike the length of the Pacific Crest Trail someday... should only take a few months.

Skydancer · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:19:51 PM »

Gixer check out Nick Sanders.

http://www.nicksanders.com/

This guy regularly does it. He's a bit crazy but worth communicating with. He does this Moto world Challenge thing and holds the record for fastest circumnavigation by bike or something like that. Also he proves you don't need a big trailie to do the trip on theres plenty of tarmac round the globe. He does his trips on an R1.

You could always try emailing Charley Boorman or Ewan Mcgregor. They did the trip for UNICEF. You never know they might get back to you.

http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.htm

Chairboy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:22:53 PM »

You might consider starting out with something a little less expensive in the beginning. Are you familiar with the Iron Butt Rally?

EDIT: I am, in all actuality, a moron. I didn't bother to note your country of origin. The Iron Butt rally is a North American thing.

Never mind!

Gixer · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:30:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Chairboy
You might consider starting out with something a little less expensive in the beginning. Are you familiar with the Iron Butt Rally?

EDIT: I am, in all actuality, a moron. I didn't bother to note your country of origin. The Iron Butt rally is a North American thing.

Never mind!

I don't consider any ride on tar "experience" and the "Iron Butt" particullay difficult especially when those guys do it on gold wings with heated seats.

I've already done across Australia twice and spent some time desert riding. And in places where doing 80 miles takes a whole day standing on the pegs and in first gear.

~~...-Gixer~~

OIO · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:32:01 PM »

Gixer the idea is crazy for a married man with kids who is not obscenely rich (thats you yes?).

You want one of those 'wow' experiences, an adventure.

How about one that would involve the whole family?

Living in a foreign culture for half a year or even a year is an amazing experience. I lived in Japan for 3 months (im a student so couldnt afford more

) and it was just freaking AMAZING.

Heck you can even 'disguise' it as a learning program for your kids (depending on how old they are of course). Check this website, its the same company I used for my Japan trip (Language Studies):

http://www.nrcsa.com

They have programs for families too. You can go to austria, italy or spain from the few I browsed. Kids go to a class for a few hours every day, you and the wife can frolick around or attend classes of your own (aka culture classes or tours). How about you and the missus riding a bike most of the day around italy while kids in school learning italian?

Chairboy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:43:36 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Gixer
I don't consider any ride on tar "experience" and the "Iron Butt" particullay difficult especially when those guys do it on gold wings with heated seats.

Fair enough. Conversation point, what makes the Iron Butt Rally difficult is the time aspect. You have to stay driving something like 20+ hours per day to ride competetively.

Anyone could just cruise across the country at their leisure, it's another thing to do a solo crossing where you stop for gas, food, and nothing else.

Sandman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:46:05 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by OIO
Gixer the idea is crazy for a married man with kids who is not obscenely rich (thats you yes?).

You want one of those 'wow' experiences, an adventure.

How about one that would involve the whole family?

Living in a foreign culture for half a year or even a year is an amazing experience. I lived in Japan for 3 months (im a student so couldnt afford more ) and it was just freaking AMAZING.

Heck you can even 'disguise' it as a learning program for your kids (depending on how old they are of course). Check this website, its the same company I used for my Japan trip (Language Studies):

http://www.nrcsa.com

They have programs for families too. You can go to austria, italy or spain from the few I browsed. Kids go to a class for a few hours every day, you and the wife can frolick around or attend classes of your own (aka culture classes or tours). How about you and the missus riding a bike most of the day around italy while kids in school learning italian?

That's fantastic, OIO. Thanx.

OIO · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:51:16 PM »

YW sand.

And that dare link of your sig is just evil.

(yeah i clicked it.. *sigh*)

Gixer · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2005, 07:53:37 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by OIO
Gixer the idea is crazy for a married man with kids who is not obscenely rich (thats you yes?).

No, I'm 33 single,no kids,no ties and a girlfriend though I'm more attached to my bike then her. Oh but I'm not rich. If I was I would of left yesterday as money is only thing stopping me at the moment.

~~...-Gixer~~

OIO · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2005, 08:04:53 PM »

Ah I thought u were married from your first post.

Well, if you want is a bike trip im out of ideas. If what you want is an adventure and theres any country in their list you've ever wanted to visit or experience, the NRCSA is the place to make it happen.

I did a homestay (lived with a family who provided 2 meals a day) for 3 months with language classes 4 hours a day, every other saturday was cultural class which was really a guided tour of places like shrines, castles, museums, art centers (Noh / opera), famous marketplaces or spots, etc.

While I didnt learn much about the language, I learned so much about Japan itself and had the best time of my life there.

LePaul · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2005, 09:02:24 PM »

That does sound cool. I had some friends who would do long trips like that.

I sure wouldnt do it on a GSX-R if that's what you have. My ZX-9 was a fun ride, but not for all day use. I'd want something cruiser-ish. I borrowed a friend's Goldwing for a weekend once. At first, I thought...ick...but after riding it all day, heck, its like a Honda Accord, minus two tires and a roof! Pretty fun machine to ride!

NUKE · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2005, 09:16:13 PM »

Gixer, do it if that's what is in your heart to do. Route part of your trip through Arizona if you can.

Gixer · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2005, 09:59:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by LePaul
I sure wouldnt do it on a GSX-R if that's what you have.

No I certinly won't be doing it on the GSXR, it will be a light single cylinder thumper XTZ660 or KTM640. Most likely the XTZ as it's cheaper (not a big loss if it's stolen or destroyed) and parts are more readily available around the world.

~~...-Gixer~~

Reschke · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2005, 11:30:01 PM »

Gixer we have some great off road trail here in Alabama and if you were up to it I know a bunch of guys that would love to have you ride the state with them off road or otherwise. I would join in while you were here but I don't ride anymore and haven't in several years.